Slideshow – The Digital Journey to Recovery

In today’s digital world, prospective patients are now active partners in their medical journeys as they move from “addiction” to “decision to treat” to “treatment” and finally to “recovery”. Google engaged Compete to survey over 250 treatment center researchers to understand how digital drives research and ultimately appointments. Here are some key findings:

91% of patients say that making sure the treatment center accepts their healthcare plan is a top priority.

41% of patients took 2 weeks to research before scheduling an appointment and more than half visited at least 2 treatment center websites before converting.

37% of users who booked an appointment with a treatment center researched consumer reviews prior to booking.

57% of search paths are comprised of treatment and 25% of condition terms. Only 9% are treatment center branded.

Peter J Polack is founder of emedikon, a medical practice management consulting firm and president of protodrone, a software development company specializing in medical practice applications. A technology columnist for Ophthalmology Management Magazine, he is a managing partner for a large multi-specialty ophthalmology practice in Florida.